Building construction

ABSTRACT

A building construction that includes members that conveniently and readily interfit or fit together such as logs, and wherein the parts are adapted to be prefabricated and precut so that various types of buildings can be assembled in the most advantageous manner. The various parts are self-aligning and the construction will have increased strength, and wherein an arrow formation is provided for facilitating the interfitting of the parts.

United States Patent Shoat Sept. 30, 1975 [5 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 3,004,364 10/1961 Benkclman 46/28 X 3,304,675 2/1967 Graham-Wood et a1. 52/236 [76] Inventor: Y Slmaf, BOX 3,378,964 4/1968 Erickson 52 236 x orwlgsburg, 17961 3,378,966 4/1968 Linda] 52/236 x 3,517,471 6/1970 Lindmark 52/233 [22] 1973 3,629,986 12/1971 Klittich 52 396 [21] 414,626 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 481,753 8/1929 Germany 403/176 [52] US. Cl. 52/90; 46/20; 52/2. 3;

7 52/23 Primary E\'uminerPrice C. Faw, Jr. [51] Int. Cl. E04B 1/58 Att r ey Age or Firm--Vict r J, Evans & Co, [58] Field of Search 52/233, 90, 280, 284, 726,

52/753 D, 753 E, 753 T, 593, 236; 46/28, 20, [57] ABSTRACT 17; 403/169 231 A building construction that includes members that conveniently and readily interfit or fit together such as [56] References cued logs, and wherein the parts are adapted to be prefabri- UNITED STATES PATENTS cated and precut so that various types of buildings can 1,445,738 2/1923 Adams 52/233 X be assembled in the most advantageous manner. The 1,510,326 /1 Locke 52/90 various parts are self-aligning and the construction will 1.661.946 3/1 28 H Q 52/234 have increased strength, and wherein an arrow f0rma- 1-691'663 11/1928 Moms 5 52/726 X tion is provided for facilitating the interfitting of the 1,902,309 3/1933 Muffley et a1. 52/233 X parts 2,088,874 8/1937 2,125,580 8/1938 8 Claims, 23 Drawing Figures US. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet 1 of6 3,90%,322

US. Patentlij-sa t. 30,1975 Sheet 3 of6 3,908,322

US. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet4 of6 3,908,322

a G p FIG. 11.

6 w w fwfi 1 Mm W m k U.S. Patent 'S e p t'. 30,1975 Sheet 5 of6 3,908,322

YIIIIIIIIIIIIIIFIIIIIIIIIIA m The present invention relates to building construction such as building constructions or units made of wood, logs or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A building construction is provided that permits the use of random lengths and widths of logs, and wherein buildings can be fabricated or assembled with minimum effort and expense. The elements or members are self-aligning, and wherein straight joints are eliminated and in addition, increased strength is assured. Exact corners are provided. In addition, the present invention permits of mass production and exact measurement is facilitated.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a building construction that has a simplicity of fabrication so that various types of units can be fabricated in the most advantageous manner such as log cabins, homes, motels, ski lodges, restaurants, stables, garages, or any other type of log structures or buildings.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a building construction that is rugged in structure and simple and inexpensive to carry out.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent in the following specification when considered in the light of the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views illustrating a building constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 22 of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevational view taken at right angles to the view shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 44 of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 6-=6 of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on the line 77 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating certain constructional details of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a sectional viewtaken on the line 9-9 of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken on the line l0--l0 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken on the line ll-ll of FIG. 9; 7

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken on the line l2-12 of FIG. 18; I

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary elevational view illustrating certain constructional details of a window;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken on the line l4-14 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken on the line l5l5 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken on the line l6l6 of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary sectional view generally similar to FIG. 16, but showing the parts enlarged;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken on the line I8l8 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary elevational view showing the parts separated and illustrating a modification;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating certain constructional details of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating certain constructional details of the present invention; and

FIG. 22 is a vertical sectional view illustrating certain constructional details of the present invention.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the numeral in FIGS. 1A and 18 indicates a building constructed according to the present invention that may be made of a suitable material such as logs, and as shown in the drawing, the building 30 may include vertically disposed walls 31, a roof 32, windows 33, and doors 34.

The numeral indicates a ridge log, while the numeral 36 indicates roof rafters, and in FIG. 2, the numeral 37 indicates a ridge log joint. This joint 37 is also illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the joint 37 consists of recesses or openings 38 that are suitably formed as by drilling in the ridge log 35. The rafters 36 have tapered portions 39 on their ends which terminate in cylindrical reduced diameter portions 40 that snugly fit in the recesses or openings 38 whereby the parts will be maintained in their proper assembled position.

As shown in the drawings, there is provided deck framing 41 and 42 which is horizontally disposed. Suitable dados are provided where desired or required.

Referring to FIG. 4 of the drawings, there is illustrated logs 43 that are arranged in superimposed relationship with respect to each other, and the logs 43 are held together by splines or ribs that fit in recesses or grooves 44 of the logs 43. The recesses 44 have a configuration so that the splines 45 are snugly received therein. The numeral 29 indicates members that are connected to the elements such as the rafters 36, and the rafters 36 may be recessed or grooved as at 28 to provide clearance for the uppermost log 43 shown in FIG. 4.

Attention is directed to FIG. 5 of the drawings, wherein the numeral 46 indicates a joint between members such as the members 49 and 53. The numeral 47 indicates a joint such as an arrow joint between the pieces 49 and 54. The joint 47 may have a construction generally similar to that previously described in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3 so that it will be seen that the piece 49 has an opening 48 drilled or formed therein for receiving a reduced diameter end portion 51 that is adjacent a tapered portion on the member 54. In FIG. 5 the numeral 52 indicates urethane or the like that is arranged adjacent the members 53.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 of the drawings, wherein the numeral 55 indicates a plurality of vertically disposed logs that include individual elements-or pieces 56 that have strips 57 therebetween. The numeral 58 indicates a cross piece that may be supported on uprights 59. The pieces 60 and 61 are adapted to be interconnected by a joint 62 that consists of a recess 63 in the piece 61 that receives the reduced diameter projecting end 64 that is adjacent the tapered portion 65 of the element 60. Sub flooring 66 may be supported on elements such as the element 60, and the finished flooring 67 may be supported on the sub flooring 66. The numeral 68 indicates arrow joints or interfitting joints provided in the members.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 9, l and 11 of the drawings wherein there is illustrated a portion of the building construction that includes a door 71, balcony or overhang 72, railing 73, upright members 74, and certain of these pieces may have interfitting joints such as the joints 75 and 76, FIG. 10. The balcony 72 may consist of or be made with decking as indicated by the number 27. The railing 73 may consist of doweling 77 that is arranged in spaced parallel relation with respect to each other and the numeral 26 indicates spacers that may be used where desired or required. The

numeral 78 and 79 indicate suitable joints that are provided where needed.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 12, 13, 14 and wherein there is illustrated a window construction that is indicated generally by the numeral 80. In the window construction there is provided a head plate 82 that is arranged in conjunction with the other portions of the window adjacent the logs 81.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 of the drawings wherein the numeral 83 indicates a portion of a door assembly that is formed in members such as the logs 84, and door elements 85 may be provided as part of the door assembly 83.

Referring now to FIG. 19 of the drawings, the numeral 86 indicates a slightly modified or alternative form of joint 86 for connecting pieces such as the pieces 87 and 89 together. The piece 87 may be provided with a recess 88 and is adapted to snugly receive therein a reduced portion 90 that has tapered edges 91 adjacent thereto. It is to be understood that for the various joints, securing elements such as nails can be used for maintaining the parts in their proper assembled position after they have been interconnected together.

FIG. illustrates in perspective certain details of one of the joints showing how members or pieces such as the pieces 92 and 93 are adapted to be interconnected by means of a reduced diameter end portion 94 that is adapted to fit in a drilled hole or opening in the piece 93, and the member 92 has a tapered section 95 adjacent the reduced end portion 94.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22 of the drawings, the numeral 96 indicates a portion or section of a wall or other unit that consists of members such as the logs 97, and splines 98 made of masonite or the like are arranged between the logs 97. The numeral 99 indicates urethane gaskets that are adapted to be interposed between adjacent logs or members 97.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that there has been provided a building construction which lends itself to automatic operation, and wherein a log house or other building can be readily assembled. If desired, a saw cut and automatic mill can be used in conjunction with the present invention.

It will be noted that when constructing a building such as the building shown in FIGS. 1A and 13, that a plurality of logs or other pieces can be pre-cut and formed so that a modular arrangement is provided whereby erection of buildings of a desired configuration at a desired location can be readily accomplished.

The parts can be made of any suitable material in different shapes or sizes.

It will be noted that among the other features of the present invention is the provision of the joints such as the joints shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 or the joint shown in FIG. 20 in conjunction with the other features. whereby the parts will easily and accurately fit together so that assembly of the buildings can be accomplished in the most economical and advantageous manner.

In FIG. 11, the decking 27 may be made of redwood or the like. FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 show details of a balcony railing. Suitable holes can be drilled for the doweling 77. Logs may be drilled and sawed in half for railing construction.

In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the gable may be end cut out to allow space for the ridge pole. Door and window dados may be provided as at 71. Facing strips 100 may be nailed to each rafter around the perimeter of the roof. Urethane insulation can also be provided in the vicinity of the roof or other parts. In FIG. 1B, the numeral 101 indicates arrow eave closure dado that can be provided on all interior rafters and interior sides of gable ends. Suitable spikes can be driven through the rafters into the wall logs. Eave closure boards can also be provided, as shown in the drawings. Also, door and window spaces can be provided and decking can be used in the construction as shown in the drawings. The numeral 102 indicates support posts.

In FIG. 20 there is illustrated an arrow pencil point and arrow notch type of construction, and certain of these joints may be doweled to the main beam. Urethane insulation can be used between each log row, and in FIG. 10, joints such as the joints and 76 may be an arrow feather and arrow point type of connection. Suitable spikes can be used wherever desired or required. Supports can be provided for the second floor joists as well as for the first floor joists.

Provision can be made for roof rafter supporting overhang at the end wall exterior, as shown in the drawings. The ridge log 35 may be drilled or bored for rafter joints.

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 illustrate constructional details of a window, and wherein the window may have a head installation as shown in FIG. 14 and suitable jamb elements may be provided. The window may also have an arrow cut with suitable notches, and in FIG. 12 the numeral 103 indicates a window stool.

In FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 there is illustrated details of a typical door that may include an adjustable head plate 104 and there may also be provided an adjustable jamb plate. Aluminum edges may be provided on the exterior of the door and a suitable threshold can be provided. Also, a floor frame can be provided as shown in the drawings.

As to details of the interior wall, interior wall sheathing can be used and provision can be made for suitable electrical outlets and the like.

FIG. 19 indicates an optional corner joint assembly. In FIG. 8 there is illustrated an arrow floor notch or flooring dado to support sub flooring and in FIG. 8 the numeral 57 indicates a urethane gasket that can be arranged between each log row. The floor joist 60 shown in FIG. 8 may be provided with an arrow cut notch into the log wall.

The rafters and logs can be initially prepared or cut to provide for the proper roof angles, overhangs and the like, as well as to provide for the proper or desired pitch of the roof. A suitable layout can be provided for the floor framing. In addition, various types of staircases can be used with the present invention, such as a semi-circular staircase arrangement or other configuration of staircase.

As to the roof, rough sheeting made of white pine or the like can be used, and the roof can also use urethane insulation, building paper, plywood sheeting, shingle lathe, random shingles and the like as desired or required. Aluminum flashing can also be installed, and waterproofing can be used where desired, or required.

A block foundation can be used if desired or required. It is to be understood that various options can be provided for such as decks or the like. Also, drainage for utilities can be optionally provided for as well as a fireplace footing orother features. As to the foundation, a plastic film vapor barrier with a split stone fill can be used. Footings below ground level dimensions can vary, depending upon the location.

The drawings illustrate various types of log and rafter preparations.

It is to be understood that various accessories, such as urethane foaming and the like can be used wherever needed or required. Framing can be provided around all doors and windows.

It will be seen that with the present invention, the

arrow cut, notch assembly and the like assures simplicity of fabrication so that automation can be used. Also, the present invention permits use of random lengths and widths of logs and permits cutting of logs in one direction and every other row of logs may be turned in the erection process. The arrow cut or joints can be used in various places. Some of the advantages of the present invention are as follows: The parts are self-aligning, straight joints are eliminated, increased strength is provided in the taper or arrow cut because there are no right angle cuts. Further, the rows of logs are alternately pointed in opposite directions and there will be no daylight in joints and no heat loss. Exact corners are assured, and it will be impossible to point logs in the wrong direction. The logs may be numbered by the piece to facilitate construction.

As to manufacturing, in addition to the previously described advantages for use in erecting a building, in manufacturing, the process or apparatus of the present invention permits logs to be cut in one direction and allow for each measure of each row. Further, there will be minimum waste, since random lengths and widths of logs can be used. Any length or width of house can be cut and mass production can be utilized. Only two measurements are needed such as for cutting four walls. It is not necessary to turn the logs over or end-for-end while cutting. The arrow point fits into the notch of the corner or into the feather end of another log. The arrow out can be used in the manufacture of log cabins, homes, motels, ski lodges, restaurants, stables. garages, alps buildings or any other type of log structure.

Having thus described the preferred embodiment of tize invention it should be understood that numerous structural modifications and adaptations may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. In a building construction, vertically disposed walls, a roof including inclined portions, a lower first floor. at least one other floor above said lower floor, an elevated balcony and rail, said building construction including a plurality of members arranged contiguous to each other, interfitting joints at the junction of certain of said members with said joints consisting of a plurality of openings in certain of said members with each having a cylindrical, tapering portion ending in a uniform cylindrical portion, certain other of said members having reduced diameter cylindrical, tapering portions ending in a uniform cylindrical portion snugly received in said opening.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said building construction includes a plurality of logs arranged in superimposed relation with respect to each other.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 and further including window and door units.

4. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said building construction is provided with a ridge log, and roof rafters.

5. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the building construction includes a sub flooring and a finished floor and arrow joints.

6. A building construction as claimed in claim I wherein said balcony and railing embody a plurality of spaced parallel dowels.

7. A building construction as claimed in claim 1 wherein certain of said members have sealant layers interposed therebetween.

8. A building construction as claimed in claim 1 wherein the joints include recesses in certain of said members, other of said members having substantially rectangular reduced portions snugly received in said I'GCGSSCS. 

1. In a building construction, vertically disposed walls, a roof including inclined portions, a lower first floor, at least one other floor above said lower floor, an elevated balcony and rail, said building construction including a plurality of members arranged contiguous to each other, interfitting joints at the junction of certain of said members with said joints consisting of a plurality of openings in certain of said members with each having a cylindrical, tapering portion ending in a uniform cylindrical portion, certain other of said members having reduced diameter cylindrical, tapering portions ending in a uniform cylindrical portion snugly received in said opening.
 2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said building construction includes a plurality of logs arranged in superimposed relation with respect to each other.
 3. A device as claimed in claim 1 and further including window and door units.
 4. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said building construction is provided with a ridge log, and roof rafters.
 5. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the building construction includes a sub flooring and a finished floor and arrow joints.
 6. A building construction as claimed in claim 1 wherein said balcony and railing embody a plurality of spaced parallel dowels.
 7. A building construction as claimed in claim 1 wherein certain of said members have sealant layers interposed therebetween.
 8. A building construction as claimed in claim 1 wherein the joints include recesses in certain of said members, other of said members having substantially rectangular reduced portions snugly received in said recesses. 